26th April 2024

A 47-year-old woman presents with a sudden onset of severe pain in the upper right quadrant of her abdomen that radiates to her back.

A 47-year-old woman presents with a sudden onset of severe pain in the upper right quadrant of her abdomen that radiates to her back. The pain started an hour after eating a fatty meal and has been constant since then. She also feels nauseous but has no vomiting. She denies any changes in bowel habits or weight loss. Her temperature is 36.8°C. On examination, she exhibits significant tenderness in the right upper quadrant, especially on deep inspiration.

Which is the most likely cause of her symptoms?